TORRINGTON: They were a team on a mission from the start of the 2005-2006 season after falling short in their bid for a State Championship the year before and the head coach wanted each of the returners to know it after they lost their last game of the previous season.

“I went up to each of the players and gave them a hug,” head coach Tony Turina said, remembering back, “I told them we had unfinished business for the year before and were not going to be denied.”

This is the story of that team, the one that made a magical run, filled with nightly thrills at the Connie Donahue Gymnasium and later in the states, around the state, culminating in the ultimate prize, the Division II state title.

It’s the 10-year anniversary of that championship season and looking back is simple going to be a ton of fun.

Turina and his players will be part of this month long series that will conclude with the remarkable story of the final, a game filled with intrigue and a touch of controversy but one that ended with a touch of poetic justice.

We will take a look at the dozen Raiders who helped Torrington to their title that year while also peaking in at what they are up to now.

Not surprising, most of these THS graduates have made good on the lessons learned during their four years as Raiders and continue to serve as great ambassadors what is good about Torrington and Torrington High School.

From the Raider Crazies in the stands to the last seconds of the 55-40 win over Holy Cross in the title game, this will be a fun ride.